Paul Theodore Douskey

LIEUTENANT COLONEL PAUL THEODORE DOUSKEY
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959

Paul Theodore Douskey was a member of the "Class of 1959," the first class to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. His career was defined by his expertise in strategic air operations, serving as a pillar of the B-52 Stratofortress community during the height of the Cold War and the Vietnam Conflict.

EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMY YEARS
Hailing from New Milford, Connecticut, Paul entered the newly established Air Force Academy with a reputation for maturity and a strong work ethic. Known to his classmates as "Dousk" and "Gator," he was recognized for his serious approach to his responsibilities, a trait he developed early in life. At the Academy, he was a member of Cadet Squadron 6.

During his time at USAFA, Paul was active in extracurricular activities, notably participating in the European Trip and the T-Bird Campaign. His cadet career was marked by his dedication and a willingness to help others, earning him the Class II and Turnout Ribbons with clusters. His yearbook profile in the Polaris presciently noted that if he devoted half as much energy to his Air Force career as he did to his Academy activities, his success would be guaranteed.

MILITARY CAREER AND SERVICE
Following graduation in 1959, Paul entered pilot training, eventually specializing in heavy bombardment. He spent the early 1960s flying with the 5th Bomb Squadron and the 377th Bomb Squadron, mastering the strategic mission of the U.S. Air Force.

As the conflict in Southeast Asia intensified, Paul’s roles became increasingly critical. Between 1966 and 1967, he flew with the 772nd Troop Carrier Squadron out of Mactan Air Base in the Philippines. He later returned to the B-52 cockpit, serving as an Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot with the 77th Bomb Squadron.

One of the most significant chapters of his service occurred between 1972 and 1973, when he served as the Mission Analysis Briefing Officer at Headquarters MACV in Saigon. In this high-stakes environment, Paul was responsible for the strategic evaluation of air operations during the closing stages of the Vietnam War. He concluded his active-duty career in senior leadership roles within the Strategic Air Command (SAC), focusing on Operations Security and Command and Control.

POST-MILITARY LIFE AND LEGACY
After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Paul transitioned into the private sector in Omaha, Nebraska. He served as a Field Representative for United Services Life Company, helping other military families secure their financial futures. In 1985, he became a small business owner, founding Best Window Service in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Paul remained a dedicated member of the USAFA Long Blue Line, frequently mentioned in Checkpoints for his continued connection to the Class of '59. He was a decorated officer, earning the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year Duty Location
1959 – 1961 Pilot Training Various
1961 – 1963 Pilot, 5th Bomb Squadron Mountain Home AFB, ID
1963 – 1966 Pilot, 377th Bomb Squadron Biggs AFB, TX
1966 – 1967 Pilot, 772nd Troop Carrier Squadron Mactan Air Base, Philippines
1967 – 1970 Assistant Professor, AFROTC Drake University, IA
1970 – 1971 Aircraft Commander, 77th Bomb Squadron Ellsworth AFB, SD
1971 – 1972 Instructor Pilot, B-52 Ellsworth AFB, SD
1972 – 1973 Mission Analysis Briefing Officer HQ MACV, Saigon, Vietnam
1973 – 1977 Chief, Operations Security (HQ SAC) Offutt AFB, NE
1977 – 1979 Chief, Command & Control Division Castle AFB, CA